Shrine attacked and vandalised in Rajshahi

Police say 300 to 400 people attacked the location after Friday prayers

A shrine in Rajshahi’s Paba Upazila named Aziz Bhandari’s Khanka Sharif has been attacked and vandalised. Devotees present at the shrine claimed the incident occurred in the presence of police.

Paba Police chief Monirul Islam said a group of people attacked the location after prayers on Friday.

Pir (spiritual leader) Azizul Islam said, “Despite prior warnings from the intelligence agencies, police did not take any action to prevent the attack.”

He said a three-day prayer gathering is organised by Khanka Sharif every year on the occasion of Eid-e-Miladunnabi. Friday was the first day of the event.

Monirul said, “300 to 400 people attacked the shrine together. And there were only five of us. What were we supposed to do? You know the situation in the country.”

He said legal action would be taken if a complaint is filed at the police station regarding the incident.